Lake Merced
Lake Merced is a lake in California. Anglers here fish mainly for Flathead Catfish, Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish.
Best day to fish
The bite over the next days, scored at dusk. Based on the weather forecast, so it is guidance, not guarantees.
Conditions right now
Water temperature is an estimate based on weather and season.
Best times today
Local time at the spot, from the most likely species' daily rhythm.
Feeding times today
Solunar times are a traditional guide based on the moon's position, separate from the live ranking above. Local time at the spot.
Next hours
Likely catch now (12 species)
About the fishing here
Popular catches here include Flathead Catfish, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Common Carp, Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass.
Flathead Catfish fishing is usually best around Jun-Aug. The best windows are usually dusk and night.
A state fishing license is required to fish here. Napp ranks the species above from the live weather, water temperature, season and time of day, so the order changes through the day.
Guides for this water
Tips right now
Fishing permit
A state fishing license is required to fish here. Licenses are issued by each state:
About this water
Lake Merced is a freshwater lake located on the West Side of San Francisco, in the southwest corner of the city. It is surrounded by three golf courses, as well as residential areas, Lowell High School, San Francisco State University, Lakeshore Alternative Elementary School, Stonestown Galleria, Fort Funston and the Pacific Ocean. The San Francisco Police Department shooting range, as well as a now closed skeet shooting club and the city's National Guard armory are also in the area. The lake was also the home of the Lake Merced Sailing Club, now closed, which provided training and racing for local sailors. Currently there is a paddling program operated by San Francisco State University. The lake is home of the Pacific Rowing Club and St. Ignatius College Prep Rowing Team, both competitive rowing programs for San Francisco high school students.
Read more on Wikipedia →Map
More waters nearby
Common questions
What fish can you catch at Lake Merced?
Popular catches here include Flathead Catfish, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Common Carp, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Black Crappie.
Do you need a fishing license at Lake Merced?
Yes. A state fishing license is required; see the link on this page for the state's rules.
When is the best time to fish Lake Merced?
Flathead Catfish fishing is usually best around Jun-Aug. The best windows are usually dusk and night.
What is biting at Lake Merced right now?
Right now Flathead Catfish is the most likely catch, at about 27%.